Soko Islands Islands

The Soko Islands are a small group of islands off the southwestern waters of Hong Kong in the South China Sea. They are uninhabited and lie near major shipping approaches to the Pearl River estuary.

Boaters and local fishers visit the Soko Islands for sheltered anchorages, rocky shorelines and coastal marine life. The islands have intertidal pools, reef areas and seabird roosting sites that attract wildlife observers and divers in nearby waters.

In the late 20th century one island in the group, Tai A Chau, was used to house an immigration detention centre for Vietnamese asylum seekers; the facility has since closed and structures remain in disuse. Otherwise the islands have seen limited permanent occupation and have primarily served local fishing and navigational roles.

The group lies southwest of Hong Kong Island and Lantau, in the waters off the New Territories. The islands are reached only by private boat or licensed local operators.

• Former detention centre: Tai A Chau hosted an immigration detention centre for Vietnamese asylum seekers in the 1990s; the site is now derelict and the islands are uninhabited.
• Wildlife interest: The islands are noted for coastal and marine habitat value, including intertidal zones and seabird roosts, making them of interest for wildlife observation from boats.

Access to the Soko Islands is by private boat or occasional organized trips from Hong Kong’s southwestern ports. There are no regular public ferries; check local charter services and maritime notices before setting out.

• The Soko Islands lie near Hong Kong's southwestern approaches - check maritime notices and local ferry operators for current access regulations.
• The islands have steep cliffs and little infrastructure; shore landings are often impractical except at designated points.
• Birdwatchers should respect breeding seasons and use binoculars rather than approaching colonies.